Every fall we celebrate the anniversary our founding in 1874. The congregation of the Church of Our Lord was created on October 29, 1874 by the Reverend Edward Cridge and his followers, who included many of Victoria's pioneer families.

Cridge had originally arrived at Fort Victoria in 1855 to be Chaplain of the Hudson's Bay Company and later became Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. Doctrinal struggles in the 1870's resulted in Cridge forming a new congregation which affiliated to the Reformed Episcopal Church in which he became bishop. The congregation worshipped in rented church premises the first year while their new church building was being constructed.

The Church of Our Lord stands today on the site that was donated by Sir James Douglas, the colonial Governor who is often referred to as 'the Father of British Colombia". Of board and batten construction, this fine example of Carpenter Gothic was designed by local architect John Teague and opened in January 1876. The interior features a magnificent hammerbeam ceiling, memorial stained glass and the historic Appleton Organ which dates from the 1820s. The church was designated a National Historic Site in 1998. As part of the Restoration 125 Project, the organ was carefully restored and the exterior renovated and painted in heritage colours.

Bishop Cridge served as Rector of the Church of Our Lord for over 25 years; he died in 1913 well into his 96th year. The lifetime of Christian service of Bishop Cridge and his wife Mary was commemorated in Cridge Memorial Hall, which opened in 1930 replacing the old Sunday school hall beside the church. Only partially completed, Cridge Hall is now incorporated into the Community Ministry Centre whose design was inspired by the original plans of noted architect Samuel Maclure.

For further information, consult the tour guide. For the life of Bishop Cridge, see Quiet Reformers: The Legacy of Early Victoria's Bishop Edward and Mary Cridge, by Ian Macdonald and Betty O'Keefe, published by Ronsdale Press, Vancouver, 2010.

626 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC 250-383-8915